Chwilio

*Scroll down for English* ♥ Enillydd Gwobr Tir na n-Og 2016 ♥ ♥ Tir na n-Og Award Winner 2016 ♥ Gwaith celf/artwork: Valériane LeBlond Oed diddordeb/interest age: 7+ Reading age/oed darllen: 8-9+ Synopsis Y Mabinogi yw chwedlau hynaf ac enwocaf Cymru, a'r Pedair Cainc yw straeon craidd y chwedlau hyn. Er iddyn nhw gael eu hysgrifennu ar femrwn tua wyth canrif yn ôl, bu storïwyr yn eu hadrodd ar lafar sawl canrif cyn hynny. Mae'r chwedlau wedi para cyhyd am eu bod yn dal i allu cydio yn y dychmyg â'u hud a lledrith, eu hantur, eu rhamant a'u rhyfeddodau unigryw. Argraffiad clawr meddal. (Gwales) A luxurious edition in paperpack. The Four Branches of the Mabinogi are the oldest and most famous legends in Wales. First written down around eight hundred years ago, they were being told for many years before that. Join us and explore these captivating stories with their unique mix of magic, romance, adventure, giants, wars and wizards. (Gwales) Adolygiad gan Sarah Down-Roberts Mae'n siŵr fod y rhan fwyaf ohonom yn gyfarwydd â Phedair Cainc y Mabinogi – rhai ohonom, o bosib, wedi gorfod eu hastudio'n fanwl mewn Cymraeg Canol, ac eraill ohonom wedi cael bras syniad o'r straeon ar ôl eu darllen mewn llyfrau plant. Wel, dyma lyfr sy'n cynnwys rhywbeth yn y canol – addasiad swmpus o'r pedair stori. Mae'r llyfr yn addas i blant hŷn ac oedolion. Mae ynddo dros 120 o dudalennau ac y mae hynny'n rhoi syniad i chi o'r manylder a geir yma. Mae'r llyfr clawr caled wedi cael ei gyflwyno mewn diwyg glân, hawdd ei ddarllen ond yr hyn sy'n gwneud y llyfr hwn yn gwbl atyniadol yw'r lluniau gan yr artist Valériane Leblond. Ar ddechrau'r gyfrol ceir llun o bawb ym mhob cainc gydag eglurhad pwy yw pwy. Ceir hefyd fapiau o Gymru'n dangos lle yn union mae'r mannau gwahanol a enwir yn y ceinciau. Dyma lyfr, heb os, sy'n haeddu bod yn hosan pob plentyn y Nadolig hwn. Bydd ei ddarllen yn rhoi cyflwyniad penigamp i rai o brif gymeriadau ein llên i genhedlaeth newydd o ddarllenwyr. Mae'r awdur wedi dal naws y ceinciau i'r dim – eu tristwch a'u hiwmor, ac mae'r dweud mewn mannau yn hyfryd o gynnil a diwastraff. Mi ellid ei ddarllen dro ar ôl tro a chael pleser pur yn byseddu'r tudalennau cain. Ar gael yn Saesneg hefyd. Adolygiad oddi ar www.gwales.com, trwy ganiatâd Cyngor Llyfrau Cymru. Review by Sarah Down-Roberts I'm sure most of us are familiar or have at least heard of the Four Branches of The Mabinogi - some of us may have studied them in great detail in Middle Welsh, and others may have got a rough idea from reading about them in children's books. This book is something in-between - a substantial adaptation of the four tales. It's appropriate for adults and children. There are over 120 pages and this gives you some idea of the detail included. This paperback version is clean and easy to read, but what makes it so attractive is the artwork by Valériane Leblond. At the start of the book we get a picture of everyone and an explanation of who's who. We also get maps of Wales showing exactly where everything is. This is without a doubt a book that deserves to be in stockings this Christmas. Reading it will give a great introduction to some of the main characters in Welsh literature for a new generation of readers. The author retains the 'feel' of the Branches- their sadness and their humour, and the writing is concise and to the point. It can be enjoyed over and over! Also available in English. A review from www.gwales.com with the permission of the Welsh Books Council. Cyhoeddwr/publisher: Rily Cyhoeddwyd/released: 2017 Pris: £6.99 ISBN: 9781849670234

*Scroll down for English* Genre: #jôcs #doniol #hiwmor / #jokes #funny #humour Themau trist,anodd/upsetting, tough themes: ◎◎◎◎◎ Trais, ofn/violence, scary: ◎◎◎◎◎ Iaith gref/language: ◎◎◎◎◎ Rhyw/sex: ◎◎◎◎◎ Hiwmor/humour: ◉◉◉◉◉ Her darllen/reading difficulty:: ◉◉◎◎◎ Oed darllen/reading age: 7/8+ Oed diddordeb/interest age: 7-11+ Wel, os ’da chi ’di bod yn teimlo braidd yn fflat ar ôl y flwyddyn ddwytha o lockdowns, dwi’n meddwl mai hwn fydd jest y peth i chi! Ma’ nhw’n dweud mai ‘chwerthin yw’r moddion gora’ dydyn, a fedra i ddim cytuno mwy! Mae Ha Ha Cnec yn drysorfa o jôcs fydd yn codi calon unrhyw un ac fydd yn siŵr o lwyddo i roi gwên ar wyneb hyd yn oed yr unigolion mwyaf sarrug! Mae’n rhaid i mi ddeud fy mod i’n licio jôc dda. Er hynny, dwi wastad wedi cael un problem fach – dwi jest methu deud jôc i achub fy mywyd. Am ryw reswm, dwi bob amser yn mynd to bits reit cyn y punchline! ’Da chi’n gwybod yr awkward moment ’na pan ’da chi’n deud jôc a does ’na NEB yn chwerthin a ’mond sŵn tumbleweed sydd i’w glywed – wel ma’ hynny’n digwydd i mi bob tro! Dwi wedi dod i’r canlyniad fod deud jôc wirioneddol dda yn SGIL! Wrth i Ha Ha Cnec gael ei lansio ar ddiwrnod y llyfr, ella fod ’na obaith o’r diwedd i mi allu dysgu deud jôcs yn iawn, heb iddyn nhw swnio fel dad jokes sâl! Dyma lyfr sy’n chock-a-block o jôcs a dwdls dwl, sydd wedi’u trefnu o dan lwyth o benawdau gwirion. Mi gewch chi lond trol o hwyl yn darllen ac yn rhannu’r jôcs yma gyda’ch ffrindiau! Beth am ddysgu ambell un neu ychwanegu rhai eich hunain (mae ’na ddigon o le handi yn y cefn)? Pwy sy’n dweud nad ydi llyfra jôcs yn addysgiadol? Wel, mi gewch chi ddweud wrth eich athrawon rŵan eu bod nhw definitely yn dysgu pethau pwysig fel geirfa i chi! Dwi fy hun wedi dysgu gair newydd bendigedig o’r llyfr yma, sef cnec. ‘Rhech’ da ni Gogs yn ei ddeud, ond dwi’n eitha licio ‘cnecs’ a ‘chnecio!’ Dwi’n meddwl y gwna i ddal ati i ddefnyddio ‘rhech’ ar gyfer trwmpsan fawr wlyb, ond mae ‘cnec’ yn air perffaith ar gyfer y rhai bach slei! Dwi’m yn meddwl y cewch chi lyfr jôcs gwell am £1 yn y byd i gyd yn grwn, felly ewch da chi i nôl eich copi, ac mi fyddwch chithau’n chwerthin un pen ac yn cnecio’r pen arall mewn dim! O... ac un peth bach arall.... pwy ar y ddaear ydi JEFFREY GIBBINGTON?!?!? If you’re feeling a bit flat after all these lockdowns, I think this’ll be just what you need! They do say don’t they that laughter is the best medicine and I couldn’t agree more! Ha Ha Cnec is a treasure trove of jokes that is sure to cheer up even the most miserable of individuals! I have to say that I do like a good joke. But there’s always been one teeny tiny problem– I just can't seem to come up with or tell a good one to save my life. I just always seem to go to bits right before the punchline! Have you ever experienced that awkward moment when you crack a joke and absolutely NO ONE laughs? Those times when all you can hear is a tumbleweed drifting past… Well, that happens to me every time! I've come to the conclusion that telling a good joke is all about the delivery, and it’s a real skill. Now that Ha Ha Cnec! has been published in time for this year’s World Book Day, maybe there’s a slim chance that I might finally be able to learn how to crack a joke, without it sounding like a really bad dad joke. Over the pandemic, the nation has taken illustrator Huw Aaron into their hearts, as he kept everyone going with his #criwcelf online sessions, giving children some useful and entertaining advice and parents a much-needed break! Fortunately for us, he found time in the midst of all his other projects to put together this brilliant book! This is a book that’s chock-a-block full of silly jokes and zany cartoons, organized under a load of even sillier headlines. You’ll have loads of fun reading and sharing these jokes with your friends! You could even learn a couple or add your own using the handy space at the back. Who says that joke books aren’t educational? Well, you can go right ahead and tell your teachers that they definitely do teach you important things like vocabulary! For example, I’ve just learned a brand-new and wonderful word – ‘Cnec.’ (fart) We Gogs tend to say ‘rhech’ but I’m really quite taken with this new one. I’ll probably carry on using ‘rhech’ to describe a loud, wet one, but 'cnec' is perfect for those sly ones that just pop out without warning! I honestly don’t think you'll get a better collection of jokes for a £1 in the whole wide world, so go on, grab your own copy, and you'll be laughing from one end and ‘cnec-ing’ from the other in no time! Oh, and one more thing, who on earth is JEFFREY GIBBINGTON?!?!? Cyhoeddwr/publisher: BROGA https://broga.cymru/croeso Cyhoeddwyd/released: Diwrnod y Llyfr 2021 Pris: OMB £1 !!!!! ISBN: 9781914303005 Os fethoch chi nhw, ewch i gael sbec ar y sesiynau #CriwCelf gan Huw If you missed them, go and take a look at the #CriwCelf sessions by Huw. ar sianel YouTube Huw Aaron

*Scroll down for English* Genre: #ffuglen #arddegau #defaid #doniol / #fiction #teens #sheep #funny Negeseuon positif/positive messages: ◉◎◎◎◎ Themau trist,anodd/upsetting, tough themes: ◎◎◎◎◎ Trais, ofn/violence, scary: ◉◎◎◎◎ Iaith gref/language: ◉◎◎◎◎ Rhyw/sex: ◉◎◎◎◎ Hiwmor/humour: ◉◉◉◉◎ Her darllen/reading difficulty: ◉◉◉◎◎ Lluniau/illustrations: Jac Jones ’Da chi ’rioed ’di cal yr hunllef ’na lle ’da chi’n troi fyny i’r ysgol heb eich trowsus ac mae pawb yn chwerthin ar eich pen? Naddo? Wel, dwi’m yn siŵr be di’r peth gwaetha – hynny, ta’r pethau anffodus sy’n digwydd i Dewi druan yn y llyfr yma! Mae’n saff deud fod gan y cradur dipyn o broblem, achos gyda’r nos, mae o’n troi’n anifail! I mean, fair enough, os ydach chi’n cael troi mewn i ryw fath o werewolf- ’ma ’na rwbath eitha cŵl am hynny - cael bod yn gyhyrog a chryf, curo’r bwlis, neu cael gwneud be ’da chi isio achos mae pawb eich ofn chi! O leia mae ’na rywbeth reit secsi am droi mewn i ryw fath o hync golygus fel wolverine ’does? Meddyliwch felly pa mor siomedig fasa chi o ddarganfod mai’r hyn rydach chi’n trawsnewid iddo fo ydi dafad. Ia. Blydi dafad. Dwi’n siŵr fod y cyhoeddwyr wedi edrych yn reit rhyfadd ar Bethan Gwanas pan oedd hi’n pitchio’r syniad yma’n y swyddfa... Dwi’m yn meddwl y baswn i wedi gallu stopio fy hun rhag chwerthin! Cyn darllan y llyfr, do’n i ’rioed wedi cael amsar i ystyried materion mawr athronyddol fel cael fy nhroi’n ddafad, a dwi’n meddwl mai rhyw fath o morbid curiosity oedd hannar y rheswm dros ddewis y llyfr yma i’w ddarllen! Rhaid i mi gyfadda,’ mi fues i’n gwenu drwy gydol y nofel fwy neu lai, ac mi oedd y llyfr jest y peth o’n i angen ar gyfer cael gwared â’r lockdown blues. Oes, mae angen dipyn bach o suspension of belief efo’r stori yma, ond unwaith ’da chi’n dod i dderbyn y ffaith fod Dewi jest yn fachgen tair ar ddeg oed, sy'n digwydd bod efo cyrn dan ei het, mae o jest yn gweithio! Pwy fasa’n meddwl y bysa bod yn ddafad mor broblemus? Yn sicr dydi ei fam ddim yn rhy hapus ar ôl i Dewi fwyta’i houseplants gora – ydi hi’n deall fod gan ddefaid anghenion wir?! Yn dilyn ei antics ar bedair coes un noson, mae o’n deffro’n noeth borcyn yng nghanol y cae – sut ar y ddaear mae o’n mynd i esbonio hyn wrth ei rieni? A bechod, mae hyd yn oed y defaid eraill yn chwerthin am ei ben! Cwestiwn mawr y llyfr, wrth gwrs, yw pam fod hyn i gyd yn digwydd i Dewi, o bawb? A sut goblyn mae stopio’r peth? Roedd ’na dipyn o dwist tua diwedd y llyfr, ac mi aeth y stori i rywle tywyllach nag oeddwn i’n ddisgwyl, gan groesi i’r byd ffantasi, rhamant ac arswyd am chydig. Mae’r llyfr yn dipyn o oed erbyn hyn, ond dydio o ddim wedi heneiddio ac mae ei apêl yn dal i fod yr un mor gryf. Dwi’n digwydd gwybod ei fod yn cael ei ddarllen mewn sawl ysgol uwchradd ar draws Cymru, a hynny, mae’n debyg, am ei fod o mor ddoniol. Mae o ar gael yn y Saesneg hefyd o dan y teitl Ramboy, ond i mi, y teitl Cymraeg sydd pia hi! Mae ’na rwbath reit satisfying am alw rhywun yn hen ben dafad yn does, yn yr un modd a ’sa chi’n defnyddio twpsyn – a mae ’na ddigon o rheiny yn y byd ’ma does! Gyda chymaint o ymchwil yn dangos fod bechgyn, ar y cyfan, yn darllen lot llai ’na merched, mae’n bwysig iawn fod ’na lyfrau doniol, ysgafn fel hyn i godi awydd darllen ymysg bechgyn yn eu harddegau - sy’n gallu bod yn dipyn o tough crowd i’w plesio (mae ’na dipyn o gystadleuaeth yn dod o'r xbox does!). Ma’r awdur yn hen law yn y maes yma, ond yn gyffredinol, mae na brinder o stwff newydd fel hyn yn y Gymraeg sy’n genuinley funny. Mae ’na linell denau rhwng bod yn ddoniol a thrio’n rhy galed- ond mae BG yn dallt hi'n iawn! Os wnaethoch chi fwynhau Pen Dafad – ewch i chwilio am lyfrau eraill y gyfres (o’r un enw) - chewch chi mo’ch siomi (mae gormod i’w rhestru yma). Ac os am rywbeth mwy diweddar, mae Brenin y Trenyrs gan Pryderi Gwyn Jones hefyd yn un da sy’n siŵr o apelio at y grŵp oedran 10-15. Did you ever get that nightmare where you turn up to school without your trousers and everyone laughs at you? No? Well, I don’t know what’s worse – that, or the strange events plaguing our main character here! It’s safe to say that poor Dewi has a bit of a problem on his hands, or should I say hooves, because at night-time, he starts turning into an animal! I mean, fair enough, if you're transforming into some kind of werewolf-like creature- there’s something quite cool about that – being muscly and strong, getting one over on the bullies, or just generally getting your own way ’cause everyone’s terrified of you! At least there’s something quite sexy about turning into some sort of wolverine… So just think how disappointed you’d be if the only thing you could turn into was a plain, ordinary sheep… I'm sure the publishers looked very oddly at Bethan Gwanas when she initially pitched this idea to the board! I doubt I'd have been able to keep a straight face! Before reading Pen Dafad, I'd never taken the time to consider great philosophical and thought-provoking issues such as being turned into a sheep, and I think I partly chose this book out of morbid curiosity! I’ve got to admit though, I smiled most of the way through, and it was just what I needed to shift those lockdown blues! Now then, you do need a little bit of suspension of belief with this one, but once you just learn to accept the fact that Dewi, a thirteen-year-old boy, suddenly develops hooves and horns, it just works! Who’d think that being a sheep could be so problematic? His mother certainly isn’t too impressed when he eats all her best houseplants – doesn’t she know that a sheep has needs?! Following some of his four-legged antics one night, he wakes up naked in the middle of the field – how on earth is he going to explain that to his parents? Even the other sheep are laughing at him, poor thing! The big question is of course, why is all this happening to Dewi of all people? And how the heck will he get it to stop? There was a bit of a twist towards the end, and it took a darker turn than I was expecting, crossing into fantasy, romance and horror territory for a while. The book has been around for a while now, but the story still works and it’s got plenty of life left in it. I think it was recently reprinted, actually. I happen to know that it’s still a popular choice in many secondary schools across Wales, probably because of its humour. It’s also available in English under the title Ramboy, but for me, you can’t beat Pen Dafad! Calling someone a ‘Pen Dafad’ when they’ve done something stupid has a nice ring to it! With research showing that boys, on the whole, read less than girls, it’s very important that there are plenty of funny, light-hearted books like this to spark their interest- they can be a tough crowd to please at times (especially when you consider the competition from the xbox!) The author's written a lot for this age group and knows it well, but I still think we need more books like this in Welsh – genuinely funny novels that aren’t too long or taxing to read. As far as humour is concerned, getting it ‘right’ is a skill – there’s a very fine line between being naturally funny and trying too hard. BG's nailed it, to be fair! If you enjoyed Pen Dafad – have a look at the rest of the series (which shares the same name) - you won’t be disappointed (too many good ones to list here). And if you’re looking for something new, Brenin y Trenyrs by Pryderi Gwyn Jones is also a good one that should suit the 10-15 age group. Cyhoeddwr/publisher: Y Lolfa Cyhoeddwyd/released: , 2005, 2020 Pris: £3.99 ISBN: 9780862438067 Cyfres: Pen Dafad Athrawon - mae llawlyfrau gweithgareddau i gyd-fynd â'r gyfres: https://www.ylolfa.com/products/9780862438036/llawlyfr-athrawon-pen-dafad-1 Ar gael yn y Saesneg hefyd... Available in English too as...

*Scroll down for English* Genre: #ffuglen #arddegau #trosedd / #teenage #crime #fiction Negeseuon positif/positive messages: ◉◉◎◎◎ Themau trist,anodd/upsetting, tough themes: ◉◉◉◉◎ Trais, ofn/violence, scary: ◉◉◉◉◎ Iaith gref/language: ◉◉◉◎◎ Rhyw/sex: ◉◉◉◎◎ Hiwmor/humour: ◉◉◉◎◎ Oed diddordeb/interest age: 13+ [addas i oedolion ifanc/oedolion hefyd] Oed darllen/reading age: 13+ [suitable for teenagers, young adults and adult readers] Cynnwys rhai themau y gall beri gofid i rai. Contains themes that some may find upsetting. ADOLYGIAD GAN LLIO MAI HUGHES I chi sy’n gyfarwydd â chyfresi fel The Bridge a The Killing, anghofiwch am Scandi noir achos mae Bethesda noir wedi cyrraedd a dw i isio mwy! Dw i wastad wedi bod yn hoff o ddarllen ond mi oedd ffeindio llyfr oedd wir yn dal fy sylw ac yn tanio’r diddordeb yna mewn darllen yn ystod fy nghyfnod yn yr ysgol uwchradd yn gallu bod reit anodd ar adegau. O na fyddai Llechi wedi bod o gwmpas bryd hynny! Rydan ni gyd yn gwybod am ddawn ysgrifennu arbennig Manon Steffan Ros erbyn hyn, ac yn siŵr o fod wedi darllen ambell gampwaith ganddi bellach, neu wedi clywed am rai o’i llyfrau o leiaf. Dydi Llechi yn sicr ddim yn siomi, ac mae gallu Manon i’n tynnu i mewn i fyd ac i fywydau’r cymeriadau nes ein bod wedi ymgolli’n llwyr yn parhau i fod mor gryf ag erioed yn y nofel hon. Shane ydi’r adroddwr – hogyn ysgol 16 oed. Fo sy’n ein tywys trwy’r holl ddigwyddiadau yn dilyn llofruddiaeth Gwenno, ei gyd-ddisgybl - hogan brydferth, glyfar a chlên, merch y teulu sy’n cyflogi ei fam fel glanhawraig, a’i ffrind pennaf (er nad oes neb arall yn gwybod hynny). Mae marwolaeth Gwenno yn dipyn o ddirgelwch. Pa reswm yn y byd fyddai gan unrhyw un i fod isio lladd Gwenno o bawb? Mae hi’n gwneud yn dda yn yr ysgol, mae hi’n boblogaidd ac yn perthyn i deulu bach perffaith. Trwy lygaid Shane a’i ffrindiau, fesul dipyn cawn wybod mwy a mwy am y teulu Davies ac am y Gwenno go iawn – Gwenno sy’n wahanol iawn i’r un sy’n cael ei phortreadu ar y newyddion. Daw sawl ffaith a digwyddiad annisgwyl i’r amlwg yn ystod cyfnod ymchwiliad yr heddlu, nes bod mwy nag un person dan amheuaeth gynnon ni. Fe wnes i fwynhau’r twist ar ddiwedd y nofel, a’r ffaith ein bod ninnau fel darllenwyr yn cael ein twyllo fel yr heddlu a phawb arall yn y pentref trwy ran helaeth o’r nofel. Gawn ni wybod pwy lofruddiodd Gwenno? Fyddwch chi’n gallu dyfalu? Mi fydd yn rhaid i chi gael gafael ar gopi er mwyn cael gwybod! Er mai nofel drosedd ydi hon yn bennaf, gyda mymryn o ddirgelwch, caiff themâu eraill eu trafod gan yr awdur, fel cam-drin emosiynol, iselder, dial, cyfeillgarwch, teulu, a dosbarth cymdeithasol. Mae cymeriad snobyddlyd a dauwynebog Glain Davies, mam Gwenno, yn cael ei gyfleu i’r dim trwy’r linell hon lle mae hi’n sôn am fam Shane: ‘Bechod. Hi ydi’r cleaner.’ Fe gawn ni hefyd sylwebaeth graff gan yr awdur ar sut y caiff Bethesda (ac o bosib Cymru yn gyffredinol) ei bortreadu gan y cyfryngau a gan bobl o’r tu allan i Gymru: ‘Doeddan nhw ddim yn gweld yr holl bethau hyfryd, cynnes, cyfeillgar am Fethesda. Doeddan nhw ddim eisiau gweld hynny. Roeddan nhw o’r farn fod byw mewn lle oedd ddim yn llawn Range Rovers a BMWs yn rhoi rhyw fath o esboniad i’r ffaith fod hogan un ar bymtheg oed wedi cael ei lladd.’ Roedd yr awdur yn dda iawn am daflu goleuni ar y ffaith fod pethau'n gallu edrych mor 'berffaith' ar y tu allan, ond bod y realiti tu ôl i ddrysau caeedig yn wahanol iawn, fel yn achos y teulu'r Davieses'. Da chi byth yn gwybod pa gyfrinachau sydd gan bobl! Y neges bwysicaf ar ddiwedd y nofel ydi pa mor bwysig ydi hi i ofyn am gymorth os ydach chi eich hun neu rywun rydach chi’n eu hadnabod yn mynd trwy gyfnod o iselder neu mewn sefyllfa anodd yn emosiynol. Mae’n bwysig bod yn ymwybodol o’r arwyddion ac i edrych allan amdanyn nhw – tydyn nhw ddim bob amser yn amlwg. Fe wnes i wirioneddol fwynhau darllen Llechi. Mae’n rhaid i mi gyfaddef fy mod i’n euog am fod â rhagfarn yn erbyn nofelau i bobl ifanc, oherwydd fy anwybodaeth am y ddarpariaeth sydd ar gael erbyn hyn, mae’n siŵr o fod. Doeddwn i ddim yn meddwl y bysan nhw’n apelio ata i fel rhywun sydd o leiaf ddegawd yn hŷn na’r grŵp oedran targed, ond mae’n rhaid i mi ddisgyn ar fy mai. Mae’r nofel yma’n sicr yn un y gellir ei mwynhau’n fawr gan bobl ifanc, ond sy’n rhoi’r un mwynhad i gynulleidfa hŷn hefyd yn fy marn i. Braf ydi gweld mwy a mwy o nofelau fel hyn yn ymddangos yn ddiweddar; nofelau sy’n pontio’r cyfnod hwnnw lle mae rhywun yn raddol dyfu o fod yn berson ifanc i fod yn oedolyn. Mae angen mwy o nofelau fel hyn i sicrhau bod pobl ifanc yn dal ati i ddarllen ac i fwynhau darllen. REVIEW BY LLIO MAI HUGHES Those of you who are familiar with The Bridge and The Killing, you can forget scandi-noir because Bethesda-noir is here to stay! I’ve always enjoyed reading from a young age, but I remember finding good books that grabbed my attention was quite a challenge when I was in secondary school. If only Llechi had been around back then! Most of us are familiar with Manon Steffan Ros's writing abilities by now, and will probably have read at least one, if not several of her many excellent novels. Llechi certainly doesn’t disappoint, and her ability to draw us into the lives of her characters until we are fully engrossed is as strong as ever in this novel. Our narrator is a 16-year-old boy called Shane, and the story is told entirely from his point of view. He takes us through the events following the murder of his classmate, Gwenno - a beautiful, clever, likeable girl who is the daughter of a well-off family who employs his mother as a cleaner. She’s also his best friend (though nobody else knows that). Gwenno's untimely death is something of a mystery. What reason would anyone have to kill Gwenno of all people? She was doing well at school, was popular with her peers and has the ‘perfect’ little family. Through Shane and his friends, bit by bit the story unravels about her family life and about the real Gwenno – a very different girl to the one portrayed on the news. During the police investigation, a few mysterious facts come to light, that place several characters under suspicion. Will we ever get to know why Gwenno was killed and by whom? I’m giving nothing away here! Although this is primarily a crime novel with some elements of murder mystery, other themes come up such as emotional abuse, depression, revenge, friendship, family, and social class. The snobby, two-faced nature of Glain Davies, Gwenno's mother, is very accurately portrayed when she is caught talking about Shane’s mother in a patronizing manner. There’s also some great social commentary from the author on how Bethesda (and possibly Wales in general) is portrayed by the media and by people from outside Wales. She also makes reference to how well some ‘perfect’ families give the impression that all is well on the outside, but the reality behind closed doors is very different. You never can tell what dirty little secrets people are hiding! The most important message at the end of the novel is how important it is to ask for help if you yourself or someone you know is going through a tough patch or is struggling emotionally. It’s important to be aware of the signs and to look out for them – they aren’t always so obvious. I really enjoyed reading Llechi. I have to admit that I was guilty of being a bit sceptical about Young Adult fiction, probably because I hadn’t really given it much thought and I didn’t realize there were so many good titles out there. Initially, I just didn't think they’d appeal to a reader who’s a good decade older than the target age group, but now I realize I was wrong. This is definitely one that will appeal to teenage readers, but equally is a great book for adult readers and learners too. Cyhoeddwr/publisher: Y Lolfa Cyhoeddwyd/released: 2020 Pris: £6.99 ISBN: 9781784619558 Here's another great review of this awesome book from Nation.Cymru: https://nation.cymru/culture/review-llechi-is-a-masterclass-of-exposition-written-by-an-author-at-the-peak-of-her-powers/ *dewis personol yw'r Top 5 - bydd angen i athrawon wneud yn siwr bod y llyfrau'n addas gyntaf.

*Scroll down for English* Dwi Newydd brynu copi o’r llyfr yma i ffrind sy’n byw yn Lloegr. Mae o a'i wraig newydd gael hogan fach a dwi’n gobeithio y byddan nhw'n gallu defnyddio’r llyfr yma i wneud yn siŵr ei bod hi’n clywed dipyn o Gymraeg, er ei bod hi’n Warwick! Dyma lyfr sy’n berffaith fel un cyntaf ar gyfer babi ifanc. Cofiwch, dydi hi BYTH rhy fuan i gyflwyno llyfrau i blant. Gora po gyntaf ddweda i. Mae’r llyfr yn cynnwys y prif liwiau ac mae’n llachar iawn gyda lluniau clir ar gyfer denu sylw'r rhai lleiaf. Mae rhyw fath o effaith 3D ar yr eitemau sy’n gwneud iddyn nhw sefyll allan yn glir. Drwy wrando arnoch chi’n darllen, mi fydd eich plentyn yn gallu dysgu geiriau syml gyda phethau sy’n gyfarwydd iawn fel bwced a rhaw neu anifeiliaid anwes. Bydd digon o hwyl i gael yma wrth edrych a phwyntio at y lluniau. Mae’r llyfr yn un dwyieithog hefyd sy’n ideal ar gyfer teuluoedd sy’n siarad Cymraeg a Saesneg adref. Dwi’n meddwl y bydd y llyfr yn ffefryn gyda’r rhai bach ac wrth gwrs, mae o wedi ei wneud o gardfwrdd cadarn, sy’n beth da rhag ofn bod y corneli’n cael eu cnoi! Os wnaethoch chi fwynhau Lliwiau Cyntaf Babi, mae ‘na rai eraill yn y gyfres hefyd. As it happens, I've just bought a copy of this book for a friend living in England. They’ve just had a baby girl and I hope that they’ll be able to use this book to make sure that she gets to hear a little bit of Welsh, despite being in Warwick! This is the perfect book for a young baby/toddler. Remember, it's NEVER too early to introduce books to children. The sooner the better IMO. Even though they can’t read, they can still hear the sound of your voice and they absolutely love looking at the pictures. The book introduces the main colours and is very bright with clear pictures for attracting the attention of our little readers. The photos have a bit of a 3D effect which helps them to stand out clearly. By listening to you reading, your child will be able to learn simple words using familiar objects such as a bucket and spade or pets. There’s plenty of fun to be had here as they’ll look and point to the pictures with great fascination. It’s also a bilingual book so ideal for those speaking Welsh and English at home. You never know, you might even pick up a word or too along the way! I think the book will be a favourite with the little ones and of course, it's made of solid cardboard, so it’ll take a good battering and can cope with a bit of chewing! If you enjoyed Lliwiau Cyntaf Babi, there are others in the series too. Cyhoeddwr/publisher: Dref Wen Cyhoeddwyd/released: 2021 Pris: £3.99 ISBN: 9781784231583 Hefyd yn y gyfres... Also available...

*Scroll down for English* "Llyfr hardd iawn am gariad a cholled." "Beautiful book about love and loss." Genre: #ffuglen #galar #marwolaeth #natur / #ficition #death #bereavement #nature Negeseuon positif/positive messages: ◉◉◉◎◎ Themau trist,anodd/upsetting, tough themes: ◉◉◉◉◎ Trais, ofn/violence, scary: ◉◎◎◎◎ Iaith gref/language: ◎◎◎◎◎ Rhyw/sex: ◎◎◎◎◎ Hiwmor/humour: ◎◎◎◎◎ Her darllen/reading difficulty:: ◉◉◉◎◎ Addaswyd gan/adapted by: Mary Jones Lluniau/illustrations: Cathy Fisher Oed diddordeb/interest age: 5+ Oed darllen/reading age: 7+ Themau sensitif (marwolaeth) - awgrymir disgresiwn Sensitive themes (death) - discretion advised Fe gawson ni newyddion da’r mis yma, wrth i Lywodraeth Cymru a’r Cyngor Llyfrau gyhoeddi cynllun newydd i gefnogi iechyd a lles plant. Ariannir pecyn o 41 o lyfrau, wedi eu dewis gan arbenigwyr, sy’n helpu athrawon i drafod materion iechyd a lles yn well. Bydd y llyfrau ar gael yn Gymraeg a’r Saesneg gydag adnoddau i gyd-fynd. Gwych! Darllenwch y datganiad i’r wasg yma: https://llyfrau.cymru/cynllun-iechyd-da/ Dyma’r catalog llawn sy’n rhestru llyfrau fesul thema yma: Roedd y llyfr yma’n fwy dwys nac oeddwn i wedi’i ddisgwyl o edrych ar y clawr. Er ei fod yn trafod pwnc anodd iawn, cefais fy siomi ar yr ochr orau gan y llyfr emosiynol, grymus a theimladwy yma. Yn syml, mae bachgen a’i dad yn paratoi i adeiladu pwll yn yr ardd, ond cyn i’r prosiect ddwyn ffrwyth, mae’r tad yn marw, gan adael twll gwag ym mywydau’r teulu, yn llythrennol. Doeddwn i ddim yn disgwyl hynny o gwbl. Heavy stuff. Yn aml, mae llyfrau plant yn aralleirio neu’n siarad o gwmpas y pwnc, ond mae’r stori yma’n trafod marwolaeth y tad mewn ffordd uniongyrchol a phlaen- sy'n beth da. Dwi wedi darllen sylwadau gan rai athrawon sy’n dweud na fydden nhw’n darllen y llyfr gyda’u dosbarth oherwydd fod y themâu dwys yn cael eu trafod mewn ffordd di-flewyn ar dafod. Dwi’n teimlo’n wahanol; bod y llyfr yn cynnig cyfle gwerthfawr i drafod pwnc pwysig iawn gyda’r plant lleiaf (pwnc sy’n aml yn cael ei osgoi). Fodd bynnag, mae angen bod yn ymwybodol o sefyllfa plant unigol, a chi sy’n nabod eich plant ar ddiwedd y dydd. Yn fuan iawn ar ôl i’r adroddwr lenwi’r pwll â dŵr, mae’n torri ac mae’r dŵr yn llifo i’r tŷ gan wylltio ei fam, sy’n bygwth cael gwared ohono. Mae’r pwll anorffenedig yn amlwg yn creu tensiwn rhwng y teulu sy’n achosi i’r adroddwr sgrechian mewn cynddaredd ar ei dad am farw. Caiff poen y bachgen ei gyfleu yn hynod o real gan anrhefn, blerwch a thywyllwch y gwaith celf. Er nad yw’r pwll yn ddim byd mwy na thwll moel a llwm yn y ddaear i gychwyn, wrth i amser fynd heibio, mae rhywbeth rhyfeddol yn digwydd. Fesul tipyn daw’r pwll yn fyw a chaiff ei lenwi gan fywyd gwyllt, pryfetach a blodau hardd fel Lili’r Dŵr. Drwy gydol y llyfr, y pwll yw cyswllt y teulu gyda’r tad - rhywle y gallent fynd i fyfyrio, i siarad gydag o ac i gofio amdano. Ar yr un pryd, mae’r pwll yn adlewyrchiad o alar y teulu a’r teimladau cymysg a brofant wrth iddynt symud o’r lle tywyll a llwm ar ôl colli dad, at y gobaith a’r bywyd newydd a ddaw ar y diwedd. Erbyn diwedd y llyfr, mae fel pe bai’r teulu wedi dechrau dod i delerau â’r golled, ac er eu bod yn ffarwelio â’r hen dŷ a’r atgofion chwerwfelys, mae nhw’n cario ‘syniad’ dad gyda nhw, gan ddatgan y bydden nhw’n creu pwll newydd. Yn union fel y tymhorau, lle daw gwanwyn ar ôl gaeaf, mae llygedyn o obaith ar ddiwedd y stori, sy’n ffordd addas iawn o orffen. There was some good news this month, as the Welsh Government and the Books Council of Wales announced a new scheme to support the health and wellbeing of children. A pack of 41 books, selected by experts, has been funded which helps teachers to better discuss health and wellbeing issues. The books will be available in Welsh and English with resources to accompany. Great! Read the press release here: https://llyfrau.cymru/cynllun-iechyd-da/ Here’s the full catalogue listing books by theme here: The book was more intense than I’d first imagined from seeing the cover. Although this book discusses a difficult subject, I really enjoyed this powerful and moving book. To put it simply, a boy and his father start building a pond in the garden, but the father dies before they get a chance to finish it, literally leaving an empty hole in the family's lives. I wasn’t expecting that. Heavy stuff. Children's books often approach the subject of death indirectly or go round the houses, but I appreciated the way the author discusses the father's death very directly. I've read comments from some teachers who say that they wouldn’t read the book with their class because of the themes. I feel differently – I think the book offers a valuable opportunity to discuss this important topic with young children (a subject that is often avoided). What I would say is, that you need to be aware of individual children’s circumstances, and use discretion - you know your children at the end of the day. Soon after the narrator fills the pond with water, it breaks and the water flows into the house, causing the mother to threaten to get rid of it. Clearly a source of tension between the family, the narrator becomes very angry with his father for leaving – a very natural response. The raw emotion of the boy's pain is conveyed through the chaos and darkness of Cathy Fisher’s haunting illustrations. Although the pond is initially bare and lifeless, over time, something remarkable happens. The pond comes to life and is soon teeming with wildlife, insects and water flowers. Throughout the book, the pond is the family's connection with their father - somewhere they can go to reflect, talk to him and remember him. At the same time, the pond is a reflection of their grief as they move from the dark and bleak place after the initial loss, to the glimmer of hope at the end. Towards the end, it is as if the family have started to come to terms with their grief, and although they are saying goodbye to the old house and the bittersweet memories, they carry their father's 'dream' with them, stating that they would create a new pond. Just like the seasons, where the warmth of spring follows a bleak winter, the story ends on a positive note. Cyhoeddwr/publisher: Graffeg Cyhoeddwyd/released: 2020 Pris: £7.99 ISBN: 9781912050086

*Scroll down for English* ♥ Enillydd Tir na n-Og 2014 Cymraeg (cynradd) ♥ ♥ Tir na n-Og Award winner 2014 Welsh (primary) ♥ Genre: #ffuglen #hanesydddol #Cymru / #fiction #historical #Welsh #Welshhistory Gwerth addysgiadol/educational value: ◉◉◉◉◎ Negeseuon positif/positive messages: ◉◉◎◎◎ Themau trist,anodd/upsetting, tough themes: ◉◎◎◎◎ Trais, ofn/violence, scary: ◉◉◎◎◎ Iaith gref/language: ◎◎◎◎◎ Rhyw/sex: ◎◎◎◎◎ Hiwmor/humour: ◉◉◎◎◎ Her darllen/reading difficulty:: ◉◉◉◎◎ Oed diddordeb/interest age: 9+ Oed darllen/reading age: 10-15+ (CA2/3) Gwaith celf/illustrations: Graham Howells Wel, mi wnes i ddechrau 2021 drwy herio fy hun i ddarllen pob un wan jac o nofelau Gareth F Williams cyn diwedd y flwyddyn. Ar ôl gorffen Anji mewn un eisteddiad, mi benderfynais newid trywydd yn llwyr a mynd am nofel hanesyddol, a lle gwell i ddechrau na gydag enillydd Gwobr Tir na n-Og 2014, Cwmwl Dros y Cwm. Fel nifer ohonom, roeddwn yn ymwybodol fod gan de Cymru gysylltiad agos iawn â’r diwydiant glo, a’i fod nid yn unig wedi chwarae rhan bwysig yn ein hanes fel cenedl, ond ei fod wedi siapio nifer o’n cymunedau ni heddiw. Er bod y diwydiant wedi diflannu fwy neu lai, mae wedi gadael ei farc ar gymoedd y de. Mae'n gywilydd gen i ddweud, heb law am y cyswllt â'r Neuadd breswyl Gymraeg yng Nghaerdydd, nad oeddwn i'n gwybod am hanes Senghenydd, felly dwi'n hynod falch fy mod wedi cael cyfle i ddysgu. Yn yr oes sydd ohoni, rydym yn byw bywydau prysur iawn, ac mae sawl dyfais dechnolegol yn cystadlu am ein sylw. Mae’n bwysicach nag erioed felly fod llyfr yn cydio ynom o’r cychwyn cyntaf - ac mi lwyddodd y nofel hon i wneud hynny’n sicr. Atgofion John Williams o’i brofiadau cynnar pan fu rhaid i’r teulu adael y gogledd i chwilio am waith yw sail y nofel. Fe blethir hanes y gorffennol yn glyfar i mewn i’r stori, oedd yn cychwyn ym 1963 cyn mynd yn ôl dros hanner can mlynedd i’r Universal Colliery yn 1908. Mae symud cartref yn anodd beth bynnag, ond dychmygwch wneud hynny ar ddechrau’r ugeinfed ganrif heb ddim o’r dechnoleg fodern sydd gynnon ni heddiw i gadw mewn cysylltiad â hen ffrindiau a theulu. Yn wir, teimla de Cymru fel byd cwbl wahanol i’r bachgen ifanc. Bu’n rhaid i’r teulu ddygymod â chymdeithas hollol newydd a dieithr, heb sôn am geisio deall yr acenion anghyfarwydd! Buan iawn y sylweddola John a’i dad fod “adre newydd” yn wahanol iawn i’r “hen adra,” ac mewn dim maen nhw’n llwyddo i godi gwrychyn ambell un o’r trigolion lleol ‘lliwgar’! Ceir disgrifiadau gwych o’r cymeriadau amrywiol hyn gan yr awdur. Fe fyddwch yn falch o glywed fod y teulu’n llwyddo i wneud ambell i ffrind yn ogystal â gelynion. Mae eu cyfeillgarwch gyda’u cymdogion agos yn nodweddiadol o’r agosatrwydd a’r croeso cynnes a geir hyd heddiw yng Nghymoedd y De. Drwy waith disgrifio a chymeriadu ardderchog, llwydda’r awdur i weu stori bersonol am gyfeillgarwch a brawdoliaeth gyda stori sy’n byrlymu â ffeithiau hanesyddol am y cyfnod. Oherwydd dawn ddiamheuol yr awdur i greu cymeriadau hoffus a chredadwy, cawn ein taro hyd yn oed yn fwy gan uchafbwynt dirdynnol y nofel pan dafla’r cwmwl du ei gysgod dros y cwm. Cyfeiriad at drychineb Senghenydd yw hyn wrth gwrs, sef y diwrnod erchyll ym mis Hydref 1913 lle bu farw 439 o ddynion a bechgyn yn y ffrwydrad mwyngloddio fwyaf angheuol yn y Deyrnas Gyfunol hyd heddiw. I ni sy’n gweithio yn ein swyddfeydd cysurus heddiw, anodd yw dychmygu caledi bywyd y glowyr. Roedd rhaid iddynt weithio oriau hir o dan amodau didrugaredd, a chafodd y gwaith yma effaith niweidiol ar eu hiechyd. Chwaraeodd anwybodaeth ac agwedd ffwrdd-â-hi tuag at iechyd a diogelwch ran fawr yn y drasiedi, ac mae’n amlwg nad oedd y rheolwyr wedi dysgu unrhyw wersi yn dilyn trychineb arall debyg a ddigwyddodd sawl blwyddyn yn flaenorol. Cawsom ein hatgoffa’n gymharol ddiweddar fod peryglon ynghlwm â chloddio am lo hyd heddiw pan ddigwyddodd y ddamwain ym mhwll Gleision, Castell-nedd Port Talbot. Er bod y nofel yn llawn ffeithiau a thermau diddorol fel afterdamp a firedamp, sy’n dod â chyfnod o hanes go ddieithr erbyn hyn yn fyw i gynulleidfa ifanc, gwir gryfder y nofel yw stori’r teulu sy’n angori’r cyfan. Doedd yr un diwrnod wedi mynd heibio lle nad oedd John Williams yn meddwl ac yn cofio am y dynion a gollwyd y diwrnod hwnnw, ac mae’n hollbwysig ein bod ninnau hefyd yn cofio amdanynt heddiw. Bu darllen y nofel yn sbardun i mi ymchwilio ymhellach i hanes Senghenydd, ac oherwydd hyn dwi’n credu bod gwerth mawr i’r nofel hon fel adnodd dysgu. Yn ystod fy nghyfnod yn yr ysgol roeddem yn dysgu cymaint am hanes teulu brenhinol Lloegr, ond byddai wedi bod yn llawer gwell gen i ddysgu am hanes diwydiannol fy ngwlad fy hun. Bydd y llyfr yma’n siŵr o fod yn ddefnyddiol iawn fel rhan o’r Cwricwlwm newydd i Gymru, boed hynny yn y sector gynradd neu uwchradd. Dyma nofel y gallaf ei hargymell 100% i blant ac oedolion ac rwy’n falch o ddweud ei bod hi hefyd ar gael i’w mwynhau yn Saesneg, o dan y teitl The Darkest of Days. Like many of us, I knew that South Wales has a very close connection with the coal industry, and not only has it played an important role in our history as a nation, but it has shaped many of the communities we know today. Even though the once-vast industry has virtually disappeared, it has certainly left its mark on the valleys. Nowadays, we all live such busy lives, and lots of things compete for our attention. I would say it’s more important than ever that a book catches our attention and intrigue from the outset - and this novel succeeds in doing so. It’s the memories of an older John Williams that form the basis of this book, as he recalls the early years of his life when his family had to leave the North to look for work. Beginning in 1963, the novel travels back over fifty years to the Universal Colliery in 1908 where an excited John is looking forward to joining his father in the pit. Moving home is difficult enough anyway, but imagine doing this in the early twentieth century without any of the modern technology that keeps us in touch with family and friends. Despite being in the same country, for John, South Wales feels like worlds away from the life he once knew. The family must get to grips with a totally new way of life, as well as trying to understand the unfamiliar accents! John and his father soon realize that their new home is very different to their old one and it’s not long before they catch the attention of some of the Valley’s more ‘colourful’ characters. You’ll be pleased to hear that the family manage to make a few friends as well as enemies. Their friendship with their neighbours, the Dando’s, is typical of the warm welcome of the South Wales Valleys – something that’s still true to this day. Through excellent descriptive and character work, the author succeeds in weaving a personal story about friendship and brotherhood with lots of interesting historical facts about the period. Because of the author's skill in creating likeable and credible characters, this serves to make the ending even more harrowing when the dark cloud inevitably comes to darken their doors. This is, of course, a reference to the Senghenydd disaster, which was the horrific day in October 1913 when 439 men and boys died in the most fatal mining explosion in the United Kingdom to this day. For those of us who work in our cosy offices, it’s difficult to imagine the hardships of a miner’s way of life - the long arduous hours in unforgiving conditions, and the toll it took on their health. Ignorance and a lax approach to health and safety played a major part in the tragedy, and management clearly had not learned lessons from a similar tragedy several years previously. We are reminded about the ever-present dangers associated with coal mining when we think of the accident at Gleision, Neath Port Talbot in 2011. Although the novel is full of interesting facts and terminology such as afterdamp and firedamp, bringing a relatively unfamiliar period of history alive to a new generation, the true strength of the novel is the family’s story that anchors it all. Not a day goes by where John Williams did not think about the men that were lost that fateful day, and it’s vitally important that we as readers remember them too. Reading the novel inspired me to look deeper into Senghenydd’s history, and I think for this reason it has great value as a teaching and learning resource. During my time at school, we learned so much about the history of the English royal family, but very little of my own country’s rich industrial past. This book will no doubt play an important part of the new Curriculum for Wales, be that in the primary or secondary sector. This is a simple yet touching novel that I can thoroughly recommend for children and adults alike and I’m pleased to say that it’s also available to enjoy in English, under the title The Darkest of Days. Cyhoeddwr/publisher: Carreg Gwalch Cyhoeddwyd/released: 2013 Pris: £5.99 ISBN: 9781845274405 Roedd y llyfr yn RHIF 1 ar restr Canolfan Ddosbarthu'r Cyngor Llyfrau cyn 'Dolig! The book was No.1 on the Book Council for Wales Distribution Centre's list!

*Scroll down for Review & English version* Addasiad/adapted by: Luned Whelan This laugh-out-loud series is perfect for young readers. Suitable for children aged 7 years+ and key stage 2 readers. Enw’r cymeriadau: Sion (Crwtyn cryf), Ffion ffrisbi, Bari Brens, Pwdin y ci rhyfeddol, Capten Cadernid, a phobl o fyd arall Stori: Mae’r plant yn mynd i ysgol arbennig i archarwyr. Mae pobl o fyd arall yn herwgipio Bari a Capten Cadernid (mae’r aliens yn galw fo’r Capten CaCa!!!) Mae Ffion, Sion a Pwdin yn achub y dydd. Fy marn i: Dwi’n hoffi’r rhannau doniol (rhan fwya’r stori!) a dwi wrth fy modd efo archarwyr! Mae rhai geiriau anodd yn y llyfr fel 'archdroseddwyr' (supervillains). Dyfarniad: Dwi'n rhoi 5 seren neu 10/10 i'r llyfr yma. Characters: Sion (Crwtyn cryf), Ffion ffrisbi, Bari Brens, Pwdin y ci rhyfeddol, Capten Cadernid, and people from another world Story: The children go to a special shool for superheroes. People from another world kidnapp Bari and Capten Cadernid (the aliens call him Capten CaCa!!) Ffion, Sion and Pwdin save the day. My opinion: I like the funny bits (most of the book to be honest!) and I love the superheroes. There are some hard words like 'archdroseddwyr' (supervillains) Verdict: I give this book 5 stars or 10/10 Dyma rai lluniau o'r llyfr: Here are a few pictures from the book: Disgrifiad Gwales Croeso i Ysgol y Nerthol - yr ysgol sy'n meithrin ARCHARWYR y dyfodol. Tra bod Siôn a'i ffrindiau'n brysur gyda'u gwersi HEDFAN ac yn paratoi ar gyfer yr arholiad ARWYR, does neb yn sylwi bod Bari Brêns wedi dechrau ymddwyn yn RHYFEDD iawn. Tybed a oes a wnelo hyn â'r LLONG OFOD sydd wedi glanio yn y maes parcio? Gwales Description Welcome back to Mighty High - the school for superheroes. Stan and his friends are so busy preparing for their Heroes exams and having flying lessons that no one realises that Miles has been abducted by aliens! Can fully-fledged superhero Captain Courageous lend a hand or will their fates be decided by a piece of bionic bubble gum? A laugh-out-loud series, perfect for young readers. Cyhoeddwr/publisher: Rily Cyhoeddwyd/released: 2015 Pris: £4.99 ISBN: 9781849672719

*Scroll down for English* “Y nofel orau, fwyaf pwerus i mi ei darllen ers blynyddoedd. Mae’n ysgytwol.” - Manon Steffan Ros Genre: #ffuglen #iechydmeddwl #cyfeillgarwch #OI / #fiction #friendship #mentalhealth #YA Negeseuon positif/positive messages: ◉◉◉◉◎ Themau trist,anodd/upsetting, tough themes: ◉◉◉◉◎ Trais, ofn/violence, scary: ◎◎◎◎◎ Iaith gref/language: ◉◉◉◉◎ Rhyw/sex: ◉◉◉◎◎ Hiwmor/humour: ◉◉◉◎◎ Themau aeddfed/mature and upsetting themes inc. suicide, self-harm, sexual references, sexuality and mental illness Pob blwyddyn fel rheol, mae ’na un llyfr sy’n creu argraff - y llyfr mae pawb yn siarad amdano fo. Rhyw ddwy flynedd yn ôl, Llyfr Glas Nebo oedd o, a ’leni, Tu ôl i’r awyr ydi’r llyfr. Be’ bynnag yw eich barn am y llyfr, fedrwch chi ddim dadlau nad ydi o wedi creu argraff. Mae siarad mawr wedi bod amdano ar y cyfryngau cymdeithasol ac fe ddaw’n amlwg fod y llyfr wedi cael effaith ar nifer fawr o bobl, a bod ei ddarllen wedi bod yn brofiad digon ysgytwol, sydd wedi cymell pobl i fod isio mynegi eu sylwadau ar y we. Mae pawb eisiau ei ddarllen, a mae pawb eisiau dweud eu bod nhw wedi ei ddarllen. O safbwynt adolygwr, mae’n grêt fod ‘na fwrlwm am lenyddiaeth Cymraeg. Yn ystod y lansiad rhithiol fis Tachwedd, dyma ddywedodd Marged Tudur am y nofel: “Ma ’na lyfra weithia sy’n aros efo chi yn fwy na’r lleill, ma nhw’n newid eich ffordd chi o sbïo ar y byd ac ar wahanol betha. Ma nhw’n llyfra sy’n dod yn rhan ohonoch chi neu mae ’na gymeriada yn y llyfr da chi isio bod yn ffrindia hefo nhw neu falle bod nhw wedi dod yn ffrindia i chi. Mae ’na lyfra neith wastad aros yng nghanol symudiadau bywyd a heb amheuaeth, mae Tu ôl i’r awyr yn un o’r nofelau ysgubol, dirdynnol, gwefreiddiol yna. Mi wnaeth hi fy nharo i oddi ar fy echel ac yn syml, mae hi wedi mynd i rywle dwfn tu mewn i fy nghalon i ac mae hi wedi aros yna. Alla i ddim canmol y nofel yma ddigon a dwi’n gwbl mindblown o allu Megan a’i thalent aruthrol. Awdur cwbl, cwbl arbennig.” Gwyliwch y lansiad yn ei gyfanrwydd yma ar sianel AM gwasg Y Lolfa: https://www.amam.cymru/ylolfa/4061 Mae gan yr awdur lais ffres ac mae ganddi ddawn dweud gwreiddiol sy’n ffraeth iawn ar adegau ac yn ddwys iawn dro arall – ond bob amser yn dal ein sylw. Daw’r cwbl at ei gilydd i gynnig profiad darllen pwerus a chwbl unigryw yn y Gymraeg. Mae’r cymeriadau yn gwbl gredadwy, a’u teimladau a’u hemosiynau amrwd yn llawer mwy na geiriau ar bapur. Llwydda Megan i dreiddio i feddyliau’r cymeriadau a chyflwyno rhai o leisiau pobl ifanc Cymru heddiw yn effeithiol dros ben. Defnyddia ddull gwreiddiol iawn o gofnodi meddyliau Anest, sy’n llafar tu hwnt ac yn diystyru unrhyw atalnodi, ond sy’n gynrychiadol o sut mae llawer o bobl yn siarad o ddydd i ddydd heddiw, yn adlewyrchu’r iaith a ddefnyddir ar-lein ac ar ein ffonau symudol, ac hefyd yn cyfleu’r ffaith fod yr holl feddyliau yma’n gwibio trwy feddwl Anest yn ddi-stop. Mae’n effeithiol iawn ond reit intense ar yr un pryd, ac mae’n bosib na fydd y steil at ddant pawb. Iechyd meddwl Anest a Deian yw prif ganolbwynt y nofel, ond caiff nifer o themâu eraill eu trafod hefyd fel cyfeillgarwch a chariad. Profa Deian ac Anest heriau ac anawsterau tebyg, ond eto, mewn ffyrdd gwahanol iawn i’w gilydd. Teimla’r ddau nad ydyn nhw’n ddigon da, ac nad ydyn nhw’n perthyn i’r un byd â phawb arall – ond mae eu hoffter o gelf a cherddoriaeth yn eu huno ac maen nhw’n canfod lloches yng nghwmni ei gilydd. Iechyd meddwl sydd wrth graidd y stori, ond dwi’n meddwl mai llwyddiant y nofel yw nad ydi hi’n anghofio am y bobl sydd y tu ôl i’r salwch meddwl. Caiff gwahanol gyflyrau fel gor bryder ac iselder eu trafod wrth gwrs, ond y prif ffocws ydi’r unigolion, eu meddyliau nhw, a sut maen nhw’n ceisio ymdopi a goresgyn yr heriau sy’n codi wrth fyw efo salwch meddwl. I feddwl fod ’na bandemig, mi fuodd 2020 yn bumper year ar gyfer cyhoeddi llyfrau o safon. Mi fuodd ‘na dwf yn y nifer o lyfrau crossover fiction a gafodd eu cyhoeddi hefyd, sef llyfrau ar gyfer oedolion sydd hefyd yn addas ar gyfer oedolion ifanc. Dwi’n siŵr y bydd y ‘buzz’ sydd wedi bod am Tu ôl i’r awyr yn golygu y bydd rhai pobl ifanc yn eu harddegau yn cael eu denu at y llyfr. Oherwydd hynny, dwi’n meddwl ei bod hi’n bwysig iawn nodi fod y llyfr yn cynnwys themâu anodd a dwys iawn, a all fod yn triggering ac a all beri gofid i rai darllenwyr. Tydi rhywun ddim yn cael darlun clir iawn o hynny o’r broliant, yn fy marn i. Fasa ni (Sôn am Lyfra) ddim yn argymell y llyfr ar gyfer cynulleidfa sydd o dan pymtheg oed ar y cyfan gan fod y llyfr yn trafod hunan laddiad a hunan niweidio. Ond wrth gwrs, cydnabyddwn mai dewis personol yw hyn ac mae gan bobl farn gwahanol ar gyfer beth sy’n addas i ba oedran. Llongyfarchiadau Megan ar dy gampwaith o nofel gyntaf, rydym ni'n edrych ymlaen yn barod at yr un nesaf. Mae dyfodol disglair o dy flaen di fel awdur. Every year, there’s that one book that everyone’s talking about. A few years ago, it was Llyfr Glas Nebo, and this year, it’s Tu ôl i’r awyr. Whatever your thoughts on it, you can’t say that it hasn’t made an impact. There’s been a lot of talk about it on social media, and it’s clear that the book has had such an effect on people, who felt so strongly after reading it, that they took the time to spread the word online. Everybody wants to read it, and everybody wants to say they’ve read it. From a book reviewers’ point of view, its great that there’s such passion and open discussion about our Welsh literature. During the book’s virtual launch in November, Marged Tudur, who was chairing the talk, said: "There are those books sometimes that just stay with you more than others, they change your way of looking at the world. This is one of them.” Watch the whole launch here on Lolfa’s AM channel: https://www.amam.cymru/ylolfa/4061 The author has a fresh voice and a very original way of writing, both witty and intense at the same time, and never failing to grab our attention. It all comes together to offer an unique reading experience in Welsh. The characters are believable, and their raw feelings and emotions are so much more than words on paper. Megan succeeds in delving into the minds of the characters and presents the voices of young people in Wales in such an authentic way. It’s quite an achievement to sustain two separate and very distinct characters throughout a novel like that. Anest’s way of recording her thoughts is very colloquial and informal and completely disregards rules of grammar and punctuation. Although exaggerated at times, this verbal, familiar way of writing replicates how many young people speak on a day-to-day basis through messaging apps and with friends and they will really identify with this. It conveys the chaotic thoughts racing through her head, and whilst it is very effective, it won’t be to everybody’s taste… Anest and Deian become friends and it is their mental health that acts as the main focus of the novel, but a number of other themes are also discussed such as friendship and love. Deian and Anest experience similar challenges and difficulties, yet, in very different ways to each other. Both feel that they aren’t good enough, and that they don’t belong to the same world as everyone else – but their affection for art and music brings them together and they find refuge in each other's company and supporting one another. Whilst mental health is at the heart of the novel, it’s success is that it does not forget about the real people behind the illnesses. Different conditions as as anxiety and depression are mentioned, yes, but the main focus is on the individuals, their thoughts, and how they try to cope with and overcome the challenges that arise when a person is living with a mental health issue. To think that we’re in a pandemic, 2020 was a bumper year for publishing quality books. There was a growth in the number of crossover fiction that were published. These are books that may be listed as adult books, but are very suitable and appealing to young adults. I’ve even heard the term ‘new adults’ used too! These books act as a bridge between YA and adult literature and I’m sure the buzz surrounding Tu ôl i’r awyr will mean that some teenagers will choose to read it. For that reason, I think it’s only right to make it clear that the book contains some very difficult themes, which could be triggering or upsetting for some readers. You may not quite get a clear picture from the blurb. We at Sôn am Lyfra probably wouldn’t don't recommend the book for under fifteens on the whole, as the book discusses suicide and self-harm. Of course, we recognize this is a personal choice and people have differing views of what is suitable and what is not. Younger readers will need some reading stamina anyway as it’s quite a hefty book. Congratulations on your first novel Megan, we're already looking forward to the next... Cyhoeddwr/publisher: Y Lolfa Cyhoeddwyd/released: 2020 Pris: £9.99 PWY YDI MEGAN ANGHARAD HUNTER? Mae Megan yn dod o Ddyffryn Nantlle ac mae'n astudio Cymraeg ac Athroniaeth ym Mhrifysgol Caerdydd. Mae ei gwaith wedi cael ei gyhoeddi yn Y Stamp ac O'r Pedwar Gwynt, ac yn 2020 enillodd Ysgoloriaeth Awdur Ifanc Llenyddiaeth Cymru. tu ôl i'r awyr yw ei nofel gyntaf.

*Scroll down for English* Mae'r adolygiad yma oddi ar gwefan www.gwales.com, trwy ganiatâd Cyngor Llyfrau Cymru. ADOLYGIAD GAN NON MERERID JONES Nofel gyffrous am ffigwr hanesyddol, Ifor ap Meurig, arglwydd Senghennydd (gŵr byr iawn a dewr iawn, yn ôl yr hanes) yw Ifor Bach gan Eurig Salisbury. Er bod y nofel yn seiliedig ar y briwsion o hanes a geir am y gŵr hwn yng nghronicl Brut y Tywysogion, sef hanes Cymru rhwng 682 ac 1282, a chofnod Gerallt Gymro, ffrwyth dychymyg byw yr awdur yw’r rhan fwyaf o’r stori. Fe’n tywysir ganddo i Gymru gythryblus y 12fed ganrif – cyfnod o frwydro gwyllt a gwaedlyd rhwng y Cymry a’r Normaniaid. Heb ddatgelu gormod, cawn yn y nofel hon hanes Ifor yn adennill mawredd Senghennydd. I’r sawl sydd, fel fi, yn anobeithiol am gofio enwau, mae’r awdur wedi darparu coeden achau ar ddechrau’r gyfrol sy’n dweud pwy sy’n perthyn i bwy. Yn ogystal, ceir gwybodaeth gyd-destunol hynod ddefnyddiol yng nghefn y gyfrol – gwybodaeth am Ifor Bach a’r cyfnod – sy’n cyfoethogi’r profiad darllen. Llwydda Eurig Salisbury i ddod â’r cyfnod yn fyw i’r darllenydd â’i bortreadau lliwgar a chrwn o ffigyrau hanesyddol. Er mai Ifor Bach yw arwr amlwg y stori, mae’r awdur yn rhoi llais i Nest, gwraig Ifor, a’i ferch, Gwenllïan, dau gymeriad benywaidd cryf ac arwresau urddasol sy’n herio syniadau’r batriarchaeth am safle cymdeithasol y ferch. Hawdd iawn yw ymgolli yn nisgrifiadau bywiog yr awdur o olygfeydd megis y wledd yng Ngelli-gaer, sef gwledd arbennig i ddewis pencerdd i lys Senghennydd. Cefais fy hun yn gwirioni ar enwau’r beirdd – Iocyn ap Tegeryn Foethus, Llosgwrn Llew a Pyll Hyll, er enghraifft – a’r disgrifiadau ohonynt yn cystadlu am y fraint o gael eu dyrchafu’n bencerdd. Er mor ddieithr, dirgel a phell mewn hanes yw Cymru’r 12fed ganrif i’r darllenydd, mae disgrifiadau’r awdur o’r beirdd yn canu mawl ac yn dychanu ei gilydd yn rhwym o’n hatgoffa o ddigwyddiadau barddol cyfoes fel Bragdy’r Beirdd. Disgrifir Ifor Bach fel nofel i blant a phobl ifanc, ond hyderaf y bydd pawb o bob oedran yn ei mwynhau. Drwy stori antur gyffrous, dysgais lawer am berthynas y Cymry a’r Normaniaid, y traddodiad barddol, y gymdeithas a’r drefn wleidyddol yng Nghymru’r 12fed ganrif ac, wrth gwrs, am Ifor Bach ei hun. Er mawr cywilydd imi, doeddwn i ddim yn gyfarwydd â hanes y gŵr hwn cyn darllen y nofel, ac er astudio yng Nghaerdydd am dair blynedd, ni roddais fawr o ystyriaeth i’r Ifor a roddodd ei enw i’r clwb nos adnabyddus ar Stryd Womanby. Y tro nesaf, felly, y clywaf myfyrwyr y ddinas yn galw Clwb Ifor Bach yn ‘Welsh Club’, byddaf yn cael fy nhemtio i adrodd hanes epig Ifor ap Meurig wrthynt! A review from www.gwales.com, with the permission of the Books Council of Wales. REVIEW BY NON MERERID JONES Ifor Bach by Eurig Salisbury is an exciting novel about historical figure, Ifor ap Meurig, Lord of Senghennydd (a very short and very courageous man, according to history). Although the novel is based on fragments of historical evidence found about him in the Chronicles of the Princes (the history of Wales between 682 and 1282) and Gerallt Gymro's records, most of the story is down to the author’s imagination. He guides us through the turbulent Wales of the 12th century – a period of wild and bloody fighting between the Welsh and the Normans. Without revealing too much, we find in this novel how Ifor regained Senghennydd's greatness. For those who, like me, are hopeless at remembering names, the author has provided a genealogy tree at the beginning of the volume that says who belongs to whom. In addition, there’s some extremely useful contextual information at the back of the volume – information about Ifor Bach and the period – which enriches the reading experience. Eurig Salisbury succeeds in bringing the period to life for the reader with his colourful portraits of historical figures. Although Ifor Bach is the obvious hero of the story, the author gives a voice to Nest, Ifor's wife, and his daughter, Gwenllïan, two strong female characters and dignified heroines who challenge the patriarchy's ideas about the social position of females. It’s very easy to immerse yourself in the author's lively descriptions of scenes such as the feast at Gelli-gaer, a special feast to choose a master-bard for the court of Senghennydd. I was thrilled with the names of the poets – Iocyn ap Tegeryn Foethus, Llosgwrn Llew and Pyll Hyll, for example – and the descriptions of them competing for the privilege of being promoted to chief bard. However strange, mysterious and unfamiliar 12th century Wales is to the reader, the author's descriptions of the poets singing each other’s praises and satirizing each other remind us of contemporary literary events such as Bragdy’r Beirdd. Ifor Bach is described as a novel for children and young people, but I trust that people of all ages will enjoy it. Through an exciting adventure story, I learned a lot about the relationship between the Welsh and the Normans, the poetic tradition, society and political order of the 12th century and, of course, about Ifor Bach himself. To my shame, I wasn’t familiar with this man’s history before reading the novel, and despite studying in Cardiff for three years, I gave little thought to the Ifor who gave his name to the well-known nightclub on Womanby Street. Next time I hear the city's students calling Clwb Ifor Bach the 'Welsh Club', I’ll be very tempted to tell them the epic story of Ifor ap Meurig! Gwasg/publisher: Gomer Cyhoeddwyd/released: 2019 Pris: £8.99 ISBN: 9781848519879

*Scroll down for English* ♥ Llyfr y Mis i Blant: Chwefror 2021 ♥ ♥ Children's Book of the Month: February 2021 ♥ Synopsis (o Gwales) Mae Taid yn rhoi pensil lliwiau’r enfys i mi ac yn dweud: Ysgrifenna a thynna luniau, ysgrifenna a thynna luniau dy freuddwydion di i gyd. Llyfr lluniau annwyl am y cariad rhwng merch fach a’i thaid, ac am gadw'r cariad hwnnw'n fyw trwy atgofion. Grandpa gives me rainbow pencils, and tells me: Write and draw pictures, write and draw pictures of all your dreams. A charming picture book about the love between a young girl and her grandfather, and about keeping that love alive through memories. Oed diddordeb/Interest age: 0-5 Oed darllen/reading age: 6-7+ Dwi’n meddwl ein bod ni’n lwcus iawn yng Nghymru; ’da ni’n cael y best of both worlds mewn ffordd. Mae gynnon ni lwyth o awduron sy’n creu llyfrau gwreiddiol anhygoel, ac mae gynnon ni addaswyr sy’n sicrhau bod ein plant yn gallu mwynhau llyfrau o bedwar ban byd yn yr iaith Gymraeg... Dyma lyfr ingol a theimladwy dros ben sy’n sôn am ferch ifanc a’i pherthynas agos â’i thaid. Fel rhywun sydd hefyd yn agos iawn at nain a taid (dwi’n meddwl i mi dreulio mwy o amser yn eu tŷ nhw na’m cartref fy hun!) roeddwn i’n gallu uniaethu’n fawr iawn gyda’r stori yma. Mae gwaith celf cain Allison Colpoys yn llawn lliwiau a phatrymau blodeuog egnïol sydd - fel y geiriau - yn llifo o dudalen i dudalen wrth i ni symud drwy’r tymhorau. Adroddwr person cyntaf sydd i’r stori, a gwelwn fod y ferch a’i thaid yn gwneud llawer o weithgareddau gyda'i gilydd ac yn ffrindiau mawr. Wrth i’r misoedd fynd heibio, fe ddysgwn fod taid yn heneiddio a’i fod yn sâl hefyd. Weithiau, does dim angen geiriau o gwbl i gyfleu digwyddiad neu deimlad. Roedd un dudalen yn y llyfr yn hynod o bwerus, ac mae’n rhaid i mi gyfaddef y ces i lwmp mawr yn fy ngwddf a dagrau’n fy llygaid wrth weld cadair wag taid, gyda’i sliperi ar y llawr a’i sbectol ar y bwrdd. Wrth ddarllen ymlaen, fedrwn i ddim peidio â meddwl am fy nhaid fy hun, sy’n dathlu ei ben-blwydd yn 90 eleni. Dwi’n ffodus iawn o fod wedi cael treulio 30 mlynedd yn ei gwmni, a ’da ni’n dipyn o fêts, felly roedd meddwl am y ffaith anochel y bydd ei gadair yntau’n wag un diwrnod yn fy ngwneud yn eithaf emosiynol. Mae’r llyfr yn rhoi’r cydnabyddiaeth a’r sylw haeddiannol i’r boen o golli Taid, ond mae hefyd yn dathlu ei fywyd a’u cyfeillgarwch mewn ffordd hapus yn hytrach na chanolbwyntio’n ormod ar y tristwch. Rhywbeth sy’n siŵr o fod yn gysur i blentyn sydd wedi colli rhywun yw’r ffaith fod y llyfr yn disgrifio atgofion fel “ystafelloedd y gallwn ymweld â nhw.” Mae bron fel petai’r atgofion melys yn bethau y gallwn eu gweld a’u cyffwrdd, a bod Taid yn parhau mewn rhyw ffordd yn atgofion a dychymyg y ferch. Er ein bod yn hiraethu am gwmni’r rhai sydd wedi ein gadael, maen nhw dal yno gyda ni mewn ffordd wrth i ni ddal i’w cofio a sôn amdanyn nhw a’r holl amseroedd da yn eu cwmni. Gan fod Taid wedi gadael llyfr nodiadau arbennig yn anrheg i’w wyres, mae hi’n gallu ei ddefnyddio fel rhan o’r broses o alaru. Yn wir, sonia’r llyfr am y pŵer sydd mewn mynegi teimladau drwy eu cofnodi ar bapur, boed hynny’n ysgrifen neu’n llun. Mae marwolaeth yn destun dwys, ac yn aml iawn rydan ni’n teimlo’n anghyfforddus yn ei drafod, yn enwedig â phlant. Dwi’n teimlo ei bod hi’n hollbwysig ein bod ni’n siarad yn onest ac yn agored ac yn peidio â chuddio pethau rhag plant. Mae galaru’n broses anodd, sy’n unigryw i bawb, ond mae marwolaeth yn rhan naturiol o fywyd, ac fel y tymhorau, mae bywyd yn parhau ar ôl profedigaeth. Mae llinellau prydferth iawn yn y llyfr, a dyma un sy’n sefyll allan: “Petai’r byd i gyd yn wanwyn, byddwn i’n ailblannu penblwyddi Taid fel na fyddai byth yn mynd yn hen.” Tydi hi’n biti nad ydi hynny’n bosib. Gobeithio y bydd y llyfr o gymorth i sawl plentyn sy’n profi cyfnod anodd, ac y bydd yn fan cychwyn da i annog sgyrsiau pwysig. Yn sicr mi faswn i’n argymell y llyfr i blentyn sydd wedi colli aelod o’r teulu, ond mae hwn yn stori werthfawr y dylid ei rannu â phawb. Diolch i’r awdur am ysgrifennu stori addfwyn, sy’n ymdrin â’r pwnc mewn ffordd sensitif a gyda chymaint o gariad. I think we’re very lucky in Wales; we get the best of both worlds really. We have great writers churning out original books, and we have fantastic translators who ensure that our children can enjoy books from around the world in their own language... This is an extremely sweet and poignant book about a young girl and her close relationship with her grandfather. As someone who is also very close to my grandparents, (probably spent more time at their gaffe than my own home!) I was able to identify very much with this story. Allison Colpoys’s artwork is full of energetic, swooshing floral colours and patterns that closely mimic the words as they flow from page to page as we move through the seasons. The story is a first-person narrative, and we see the world from the little girl’s point of view as she does lots of fun activities with her grandad. As the months pass, we see that he is getting older but we come to learn he’s not too well either. Sometimes, words aren’t needed at all to convey an event or a feeling. One page stood out as being exceptionally powerful, and I have to admit that I had a big lump in my throat and some teary eyes when I saw his empty chair, with his slippers on the floor and his glasses on the table. I couldn't help but think about my own Taid, who is celebrating his 90th birthday next month. I'm very fortunate to have been able to spend 30 years in his company, and we’re good mates, so thinking about the inevitable fact his chair will be empty one day was quite emotional. The book gives the pain of losing Taid the recognition and attention it deserves, but also celebrates his life and their friendship in a joyous way rather than dwelling too much on the sadness. Something that is bound to be reassuring for a child who has lost someone is the fact that the book describes memories as "rooms we can visit." It’s almost as if the memories are tangible - things we can see and touch, and Taid continues to live on in some way in the girl's memories and imagination. Although we long for the company of those who have left us, they are still here with us in a way as we continue to talk about them and remember all the good times in their company. As Taid has left a special notebook as a gift to his granddaughter, she’s able to use it as part of the grieving process. Indeed, the book mentions the power of expressing feelings by committing them to paper, whether that be writing words or drawing pictures. Death is a difficult subject, and we often feel uncomfortable discussing it, especially with young children, who can find it all very confusing. I feel it’s vital that we speak honestly and openly and don’t hide things from children. Grieving is a long, difficult process that’s an unique experience to each individual but we must remember that death is a natural part of life, and like the seasons, life goes on after a bereavement. There are very beautiful lines in the book, and this is one that stands out: "If the whole world were spring, I would replant Taid's birthdays so that he would never get old." I only wish it were so. It is hoped that the book will help people who are experiencing grief, and it’s a good starting point for encouraging those important conversations after a loss. I would certainly recommend the book to a child who has lost a family member, but in reality, this is a valuable resource that should be shared with everyone. I’d like to thank the author for writing such a gentle story, which deals with the subject sensitively and with so much love and respect. Cyhoeddwr/publisher: Atebol Cyhoeddwyd/released: 2021 Pris: £6.99 ISBN: 9781913245559 Who is Joseph Coelho? From BookTrust https://www.booktrust.org.uk/book/i/if-all-the-world-were/ Joseph Coelho is an award-winning children's author, performance poet and playwright based in London. His debut poetry collection, Werewolf Club Rules, was the 2015 winner of the CLPE CLiPPA Poetry Award. His second book, Overheard in a Tower Block, was shortlisted for the 2018 CLPE CLiPPA Poetry Award and is longlisted for the 2019 UKLA Book Awards. Joseph features in the BBC Teach 'Understanding Poetry' online series. His work has poetry and performance at its heart, drawing on over 16 years' experience running dynamic creative literacy sessions in schools. He aims to inspire young people through stories and characters they can recognise.

*Scroll down for English* Disgrifiad Gwales/Gwales Description Dwi'n gwybod dy fod ti'n hapus pan wyt ti'n fy neffro â chân. Dwi'n gwybod dy fod ti'n hapus pan wyt ti am sboncio mor lân. Beth sy'n gwneud un gwdi-hŵ yn hapusach na hapus? Wel, cwtsho a sibrwd 'Rwy'n dy garu.' Addasiad Ceri Wyn Jones o destun annwyl Emma Dodd a ddarluniwyd yn swynol ganddi. I know that you are happy when you wake me with a song. I know that you are happy when you hop and skip along. What makes one little owl happiest of all? Why, when he cuddles close and whispers, I love you. A Welsh adaptation by Ceri Wyn Jones of Emma Dodd's text which she has charmingly illustrated. Oed diddordeb/interest age: 1-5 ADOLYGIAD GAN KIMBERLEY HELLYAR REVIEW BY KIMBERLEY HELLYAR Mae Kim yn Ymarferydd y Blynyddoedd Cynnar ac yn mwynhau darllen llwyth o lyfrau Cymraeg a Saesneg gyda'i mab ifanc, Bjørn. Gallwch ddilyn ei blog, bjornsbookshelf ar Instagram. Kim is an Early Years Foundation Phase Practitioner who enjoys reading loads of Welsh and English books with her young son, Bjørn. You can follow her blog, bjornsbookshelf on Instagram. Dwi am rannu'r llyfr dwyieithog bendigedig 'ma heddiw. Dwi'n teimlo'n gynnes wrth ddarllen y llyfr yma gyda Bjørn. Mae'n stori mor annwyl am Fam Tylluan yn gwylio ei babi. Mae'n ein hatgoffa o'r ffyrdd mae plant yn dangos eu bod yn hapus... boed hynny'n glebran di-baid, chwarae'n uchel, actio fel petai nhw wedi tyfu i fyny neu bod yn annibynnol ac yn falch o hynny! Mae'r cyfieithiad yn llifo gystal â'r gwreiddiol ac mae'n cyfleu'r ystyr yn hyfryd. Mae'n dangos perthynas gefnogol, llawn cariad rhwng rhiant a phlentyn. Mae darllen y llyfr gyda'n gilydd yn gyfle da i fod yn agos a chael cwtsh gan yr un bach! Sharing this lovely bi-lingual book today. I get warm and fuzzy feelings whilst reading this to Bjørn. It’s such a sweet story about a mummy owl observing her baby owl. It’s a gentle reminder of the ways in which children demonstrate that they’re happy...whether they’re being little chatter boxes, playing really loud, acting grown up, independent and proud! The Welsh translation flows just as effortlessly and conveys the same meaning as the original so beautifully. It portrays a loving and supportive relationship between parent and child. Reading this together makes for a lovely little bonding session and provides the perfect excuse to cwtch up close with the kiddo! Cyhoeddwr/publisher: Dref Wen Cyhoeddwyd/published: 2018 Pris: £5.99 ISBN: 9781784230982